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This week, we shared some background information about the treatment plan we’re creating for Kenya’s feet and how we’ll be approaching their care as the days go by. We showed an image of what her feet look like today and had several supporters with questions about what healthy nails and pads look like. It’s understandable to want to see comparison photos to get a feel for the differences between Kenya’s foot care journey and what some of the other sanctuary residents have achieved over time at Elephant Sanctuary Brazil. For today’s EleFact, we’re explaining a bit more about healthy feet.

Part of regular foot care involves removing overgrowth of the nails to prevent cracking, splitting, or exposing areas where infection can be introduced. We make sure that there aren’t any spots that are causing too much pressure on the bones of the foot, which can also lead to abscesses and infections. As we explained in the Kenya post, elephant nails are most effectively trimmed during rainy season, when they become more pliable from the moisture in the environment. Doing too much footwork during dry season can cause vertical cracks and create potential for worsening any issues.

In the attached slideshow, you’ll see some photos of what healthy elephant feet look like. A foot in good condition should have grooves, since they act like sneaker treads for traction. A completely smooth foot pad can be dangerous on slick surfaces and be a sign of overly thin pads. And while there should be grooves, they shouldn’t have deep crevices where rocks and other small debris can get stuck, since that can also be the source of pad abscesses. There should not be big spaces behind the nails where feces, dirt, and other things can get caught and then cause infections which travel inside and upward. We hope that in time, with good, attentive care, and the ability to roam on natural earth, Kenya’s feet can reach a much better level of health, although that will have minimal bearing on what already exists internally.

Please also keep in mind that, like everything else that is different between Asian and African elephants, their foot pads and feet cannot be exactly compared. For instance, the two species have a different number of toes, and scientists occasionally disagree about whether all of them are actually used or not. Regardless, healthy nails, cuticles, and pads are similar enough that appropriate treatment plans can be established for all.